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Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEV)

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Artist's impression of future BMD ship (JSDF Photo)
Class overview
NameAegis system equipped vessels (ASEV)
OperatorsJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Cost1 trillion yen ($7.1 billion USD) both ships (est.)
Planned2
General characteristics
Displacement12,000 t (12,000 long tons) standard[1]
Length190 m (620 ft)[1]
Beam25 m (82 ft)[1]
PropulsionCODAG-Rolls-Royce MT30gas turbines[2][3]
Speed30 knots (56 km/h)
Complement240 (total)[1]
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
Armament
Aircraft carriedMitsubishi SH-60J/K/L
Aviation facilitiesFlight deck and enclosed helicopter hangar
NotesBallistic Missile Defense (BMD)

Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEV)or(Japanese:イージス・システム đáp tái hạm)are a proposed pair of ballistic missile defense (BMD) warships to be operated by theJapanese Maritime Self-Defense Force(JMSDF) as dedicated sea-based BMD platforms, serving as an alternative to Japan's now-cancelled land-basedAegis AshoreBMD system.[Note 1]

Background[edit]

Main articles:North Korea and weapons of mass destruction,Timeline of the North Korean nuclear program,andChina and weapons of mass destruction

Two East Asian nations have nuclear weapons and the means to delivery such weapons—thePeople's Republic of China(PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) orNorth Korea.The range of PRC and DPRK missiles are illustrated below.

Chinese and North Korean missile ranges
  • Chinese Conventional Strike Ranges as of 2020
    Chinese Conventional Strike Ranges as of 2020
  • Chinese Nuclear Ballistic Missile Strike Ranges as of 2020
    Chinese Nuclear Ballistic Missile Strike Ranges as of 2020
  • Estimated range of North Korean missiles as of 2015
    Estimated range ofNorth Korean missilesas of 2015

People's Republic of China[edit]

The first ofChina's nuclear weapons teststook place in 1964,[5]and its firsthydrogen bombtest occurred in 1967.[6]Tests continued until 1996,[7]whenChinasigned theComprehensive Test Ban Treaty(CTBT) although the PRC is not a signatory of any multilateral nuclear arms limitation or reduction treaties.[8]ThePeople's Liberation Army Rocket Force(PLARF;Chinese:Trung quốc nhân dân giải phóng quân hỏa tiễn quân;pinyin:Zhōngguó Rénmín Jiěfàngjūn Huǒjiàn Jūn) controls China's arsenal of land-based ballistic missiles—both nuclear and conventional. The armed service branch was established on 1 July 1966 and made its first public appearance on 1 October 1984. The headquarters for operations is located atQinghe,Beijing.The PLARF is under the direct command of theChinese Communist Party'sCentral Military Commission(CMC).[9]ThePeople's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force(PLANSF) is the submarine service of thePeople's Liberation Army Navy(PLAN) and controls submarine-launched ballistic missile forces of the PRC.[10]

In an online article dated 13 January 2023, research associate Timothy Wright of theInternational Institute of Strategic Studies(IISS) wrote that PRC has "significantly" boosted its strategic nuclear capabilities with ongoing upgrades to its submarine-launched and land-based nuclear forces, noting recent confirmation from recent official statements and published analysis from theU.S. Department of Defense.The article also stated that the DoD raised its estimates of ICBM missile silos from 100 in 2022 to 300 in 2022 based on current trends. The DoD also estimated that the PRC had over 400 "operational" nuclear warheads in its inventory as of 2022 and could reach 1,500 by 2035.[11]

Democratic People's Republic of Korea[edit]

Main articles:List of North Korean missile testsand2021–2023 North Korean missile tests
Trajectories of North Korean missiles launched over Japan, 1998–2017
Range and altitude of North Korean missiles launched over Japan (2017)

North Korea showed an interest in developing nuclear weapons dating back to the 1950s.[12]The nuclear program can be traced back to about 1962, when North Korea committed itself to what it called "all-fortressization", which was the beginning of the hyper-militarized North Korea of today.[13]In 1963, North Korea asked theSoviet Unionfor help in developing nuclear weapons, but was refused. The Soviet Union agreed to help North Korea develop a peaceful nuclear energy program, including the training of nuclear scientists. Later, China, after its nuclear tests, similarly rejected North Korean requests for help with developing nuclear weapons.[14]TheKorean People's Army Strategic Force(Korean:조선인민군 전략군), is themilitary branchof theKorean People's Armythat overseesNorth Korea's nuclear and conventional strategic missiles. It is mainly armed withsurface-to-surface missilesof domestic design as well as olderSovietandChinesemodels. The KPA Strategic Force was established in 1999 when several missile units under KPA Ground Force Artillery Command were re-organized into a single missile force reporting directly to the office of the Supreme Commander of the KPA via the General Staff.[15][16]

As of early 2020, North Korea'snuclear arsenalis estimated approximately 30 to 40nuclear weaponsand sufficient production offissile materialfor six to seven nuclear weapons per year.[17]North Korea has also stockpiled a significant quantity ofchemicalandbiological weapons.In 2003, North Korea withdrew from theTreaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT).[18]Since 2006, the country has been conducting aseries of nuclear weapon testsat increasing levels of expertise and frequency, prompting the imposition ofsanctions.[19]More recently, on September 9, 2022, North Korea passed a law to declare itself anuclear weapons stateand rejected any possibility of denuclearisation.[20]In December 2022, North Korea ground-tested a solid-propellant rocket motor for potential use on either a land-based or submarine-launchedIntercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).[21]

As of 20 March 2020,North Korea has carried out 147 tests of strategic missiles since its first such test in 1984.[22]15 were carried out under the rule ofKim Il Sungand 16 underKim Jong Il.[23]UnderKim Jong Un,119 tests have been undertaken as of December, 2019.[24]An additional 8 missiles in 2021 and 63 in 2022 were subsequently launched (See bar chart below.), and a total of 7 North Korean missiles flew over theJapanese archipelagosince 1998 (See table below, and the map and graph on the right.).[21]

In its published overview for the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, theJapanese Ministry of Defense(MOD) noted that nine ballistic missiles were launched on 4 August 2022 alone, with five landing withinJapan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)while also noting the DPRK's new "hypersonic"Hwasong-17ballistic missile system.[25] On 3 November 2022, North Korea reportedly fired at least one ballistic missile off its east coast, including one believed to be a long-range missile, that flew over and past Japan. The launch triggered theJapanese emergency broadcast system,which alerted residents in the prefectures ofMiyagi,Yamagata,andNiigatato stay indoors.[26][27]Later, on 18 November 18, 2022, North Korea reportedly fired at least one ballistic missile into the sea on Friday, believed to be the first successful full flight of its Hwasong-17.[28]The missile landed inJapan's exclusive economic zone.[29]

Through the end of March, North Korea has launched a combination of at least 2 long-range and 11 short-range ballistic missiles, as well as multiple cruise missile firings, in 2023 thus far, with theHwasong-15ICBM launched on 18 February 2023 travelling for approximately 989 kilometres (615 mi) at a "lofted angle" before landing in the sea just west of Japan.[30]On 13 April 2023, North Korea launched an additional missile, while residents ofHokkaidowere told to seek immediate shelter following statements by Kim Jong-Un wherein he called for "more practical and offensive" capabilities.[31]

On 19 November 2023,ROK Defense MinisterShin Won-sikinformed theKorean Broadcasting Systemthat an anticipated third satellite launch by North Korea was expected by the end of that month.[32]On the evening of 21 November 2023, North Korea's state-runKorean Central News Agency(KCNA) reported that aChŏllima 1rocket carrying aMalligyong-1reconnaissance satellite was launched from theSohae Satellite Launching Station,withNorth Korean leaderKim Jong Unpresent.[33]On 23 November 2023, North Korea terminated thebi-lateral 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreementin response to South Korea's decision to suspend a part of that agreement in reaction to North Korea's latest satellite launch.[33][34]

On 18 December 2023, South Korea said North Korea has fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch came a week after South Korean and U.S. defense officials met to update plans on how to respond to a nuclear attack from the North. South Korean and Japanese officials said the missile travelled for 73 minutes, covering about 1,000km (621 miles).[35]

North Korean rockets flown over the Japanese archipelago
No. Date Model Area flown over Advance notice North Korean claim Satellite name
1 August 31, 1998 Taepodong-1 Akita No Satellite launch Kwangmyŏngsŏng-1
2 April 5, 2009 Unha-2 Akita,Iwate Yes Satellite launch Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2
3 December 12, 2012 Unha-3 Okinawa Yes Satellite launch Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3
4 February 7, 2016 Kwangmyŏngsŏng (Unha-3) Okinawa Yes Satellite launch Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4
5 August 29, 2017 Hwasong-12 Hokkaido No Missile launch N/A
6 September 15, 2017 Hwasong-12 Hokkaido No Missile launch N/A
7 October 4, 2022 Hwasong-12(presumed) Aomori No

Note:Text, table, and graphics copied fromList of North Korean missile tests;see that page's history for attribution.

Japanese Aegis Ashore program[edit]

Main article:Aegis Ashore

Japan began developing its current ballistic missile (BDM) system starting in 2004.[36]On 19 December 2017, theCabinet of Japanapproved a plan to purchase twoAegis Ashoresystems equipped with theAN/SPY-7(V)1,based on Lockheed Martin'sLong Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR)to increaseJapan's self-defence capability againstNorth Korea,usingSM-3 Block IIAmissiles, and also could work withSM-6interceptors capable of shooting down cruise missiles.[37][38][39]The installation sites are at aGround Self-Defense Forcetraining area in Araya District,Akita Prefectureand the Mutsumi training area inHagi,Yamaguchi Prefecture(See Map, Red: BMD FPS-5 radar, Yellow: BMD FPS-3 Kai radar, Blue: Air Defense Group, Anchor: JMSDF Aegis destroyers).[40]

  • Initial locations of major JSDF BMD installations (2020)
    Initial locations of majorJSDFBMD installations (2020)
  • U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility
    U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility
  • NATO's AABMDS site in Deveselu, Romania
    NATO's AABMDS site in Deveselu, Romania
  • NATO's AABMDS site in Redzikowo, Poland
    NATO's AABMDS site in Redzikowo, Poland

The proposed Japanese Aegis Ashore program would have been comparable to the land-based Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense System (AABMDS) sites deployed by the U.S. in Romania (pictured) and Poland (pictured). Test installation was built at the U.S.Pacific Missile Range FacilityinHawaii(pictured) in the 2000s. AsiteinDeveselu,Romaniais operational since 2016, while a site atRedzikowo,Polandwas slated to become operational in 2022.[41][42]

On 30 July 2018, Japan pickedLockheed Martin Corpto build a US$1.2 billion radar for two ground-based Aegis ballistic missile defense stations. These are meant to guard against missile strikes.[43]On the same day,Japan's Defense Ministryconsidered to withdrawingPAC-3missile interceptor units from the country's northern and western region amid an easing of tensions with North Korea. Ministry officials noted that North Korea is less likely to fire ballistic missiles after it held a summit with the United States on the previous month. But the officials also said the ministry will maintain its order to destroy any incoming missiles. They added that the ministry will be ready to quickly redeploy the PAC-3 units if the situation changes.[44]

Japan's Foreign MinisterHirofumi NakasoneandSouth Korea's Minister of Foreign AffairsYu Myung-hwanagreed that thelaunch[45]of the North KoreanUnha-2 satelliteon April 5, 2009, violated United Nations resolutions1695and1718,both adopted in 2006. Japan's cabinet examined approval of a JMSDF AEGIS BMD engagement in the event of a failure of the Taepondong launch.[46][47][48]The Japanese government also noted that it could bypass theJapanese Cabinetfor an interception under Article 82, Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the Self-Defence Forces law.[49]In total, five AEGIS destroyers were deployed at that time.[50]Supplemental to SM-3 capability the Japanese system incorporates an airborne component. Together discrimination between platform tests and satellite launches is possible by analyzing the angle of ascent.[51]

On 15 June 2020,Japanese Defense MinisterTaro Konoannounced that work had been halted on the deployment of the Aegis Ashore system because additional costs would be needed to ensure that residential buildings would not be hit by rocket boosters used to launch the missiles.[52]Later in the month Japan'sNational Security Councilconfirmed the cancellation of Aegis Ashore.[53]On 23 September 2020, Lockheed Martin noted the potential expense to convert the anti-aircraft (AA) system for maritime use since a revamp in the design is required.[54]TheJMSDFhas equipped four ships of theKongo-class destroyersfor Long-Range Surveillance Team (LRST) and engagement —JSKongo,JSChokai,JSMyoko,andJSKirishima.[55][56]

JMSDF Aegis Afloat[edit]

BMD maneuvers (October 6, 2022)
JSHaguro( DDG-180 ) launching SM-3 Block IB missile (November 19, 2022)
Main article:JMSDF Aegis Afloat

The JMSDF currently operates 4Kongōclass,2Atagoclass,and 2Mayaclassguided-missile destroyers as part of its "Aegis Afloat" program (See table below.).

On 6 October 2022, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in theSea of Japan(pictured) as part of the military response toongoing North Korean intermediate-range ballistic missile tests over the Japanese home islands.[57][58]

On 16 November 2022, the guided-missile destroyerMayafired an SM-3 Block IIA missile, successfully intercepting the target outside the atmosphere in the first launch of the missile from a Japanese warship. Two days later, theHagurolikewise fired an SM-3 Block IB missile with a successful hit outside the atmosphere. Both test firings were conducted at the U.S.Pacific Missile Range FacilityonKauai Island,Hawaii, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy andU.S. Missile Defense Agency.This was the first time the two ships conducted SM-3 firings in the same time period, and the tests validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of Japan's newestMaya-class destroyers.[36][59]

On 22 February 2023, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in theSea of Japanin response to the launch of a North KoreanHwasong-15ballistic missile on 18 February 2023, landing inJapan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)in the Sea of Japan, in an area 125 miles west of the island ofŌshima,which lies 30 miles (48 km) west of the main island ofHokkaido.Two additional IBCBMs were subsequently launched on 20 February 2023, with both landing in the Sea of Japan off the east coast of theKorean Peninsula.[60]On 19 December 2023, United States, Japan, and South Korea announced the activation of a real-time North Korea missile warning system as well as jointly established a multi-year trilateral exercise plan in response to North Korea's continued ballistic missile launches.[61][62]

List of Aegis Afloat ships
Name Hull Pennant No. Builder/Shipyard Aegis Radar Anti-Ballistic Missile Vertical Launchers Commissiomed Home port Flotilla Squadron Status
Mayaclass
JSMaya DDG-179 JMU, Yokohama AN/SPY-1D(V) SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:96 cells (total) 19 March 2020 Yokosuka Escort Flotilla 1 Escort Squadron 1 Active
JSHaguro DDG-180 JMU, Yokohama AN/SPY-1D(V) SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:96 cells (total) 19 March 2021 Sasebo Escort Flotilla 4 Escort Squadron 8 Active
Atagoclass
JDSAtago DDG-177 JMU, Yokohama AN/SPY-1D(V) SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:96 cells (total) 15 March 2007 Maizuru Escort Flotilla 3 Escort Squadron 3 Active
JDSAshigara DDG-178 JMU, Yokohama AN/SPY-1D(V) SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:96 cells (total) 13 March 2008 Sasebo Escort Flotilla 2 Escort Squadron 2 Active
Kongōclass
JDSKongō DDG-173 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries AN/SPY-1DPESA SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:90 cells (total) 25 March 1993 Sasebo Escort Flotilla 1 Escort Squadron 5: Active
JDSKirishima DDG-174 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries AN/SPY-1DPESA SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:90 cells (total) 16 March 1995 Yokosuka Escort Flotilla 2 Escort Squadron 6 Active
JDSMyōkō DDG-175 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries AN/SPY-1DPESA SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:90 cells (total) 14 March 1996 Maizuru Escort Flotilla 3 Escort Squadron 3 Active
JDSChōkai DDG-176 IHI Corporation AN/SPY-1DPESA SM-3 Standard missile Mark 41:90 cells (total) 20 March 1998 Sasebo Escort Flotilla 4 Escort Squadron 8 Active

Design[edit]

CGH-67 design (1986)
U.S. Navy proposed DDG(X) destroyer

In 2020, Japanese Defense MinisterNobuo Kishiannounced plans to build 2 new Aegis destroyers to replace its scrappedland-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile interceptors program.[63][64]On August 31, 2022, theJapan Ministry of Defenseannounced that JMSDF will operate two "Aegis system equipped ships" (イージス・システム đáp tái hạm in Japanese) to replace its earlier cancellation of the Aegis Ashore program, commissioning one ship by the end of fiscal year 2027, and the other by the end of FY2028. The budget for design and other related expenses are to be submitted in the form of “item requests” (i.e., engine components), without specific amounts, and the initial procurement of the lead items are expected to clear legislation by FY2023. Construction is to begin in the following year of FY2024.[65][63][66][67][68]The overall cost of building both ships is estimated to be 1 trillion yen (US$7.1 billion).[63][69]The first ship is planned to be commissioned in 2028 and the second in 2029.[36]

Initial SWATH design approach[edit]

Preliminary design postulated that the ASEV would be based on theSmall Waterplane Area Twin Hull(SWATH) configuration used byHibiki-class ocean surveillance ships,with the combined main deck area sufficient to accommodate the Aegis radar deckhouse and battery of SM-6 interceptor missile launchers.[68]Such a SWATH-based configuration would be comparable to the 1986 CGH-67 design study (pictured) by the thenDavid W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Centerof theU.S. Navy'sNaval Sea Systems Command(NAVSEA) albeit without the explicit BMD orientation.[70]

Current design[edit]

Original plans for the two ASEV ships called for acruiser-sized warshipswith a standard displacement of 20,000 long tons (20,000 t) each, an overall length of 690 ft (210 m), and a beam of 130 ft (40 m) on a monohull configuration. The overall size offers enhanced habitability for its 110-person crew for extended deployments and relative simplicity in construction, and it is designed to provide a stable platform for its advanced sensors and weapon systems. Once completed, the two warships will be the largestsurface combatantships in service with the JMSDF, and according toPopular Mechanics,they will "arguably [be] the largest deployable surface warships in the world."[65][63][66][67]

However, in November 2022, bothKyodo NewsandJiji Pressquoted an unnamed senior official in Japan's Ministry of Defense who noted that the proposed ASEV warships might be downsized in a size similar toMaya-class destroyersas their original proposed beam significantly reduced speed and maneuverability, making the ships easier to detect and target by the enemy.[71][72][73]Later, on 23 December 2022, the Japanese MOD released additional 2023 budget and program guidance, including the first official illustration of the ASEV warship (See article info-box.), although no further details on ASEV ship dimensions were provided beyond the original facts and figures from the August 2022 release.[74][75][76][77]USNI news editor Sam LaGrone noted that the overall design of the ASEV warship was comparable to the U.S. Navy's next-generationDDG(X)guided-missile destroyer (pictured).[74]

Procurement[edit]

According to its published budget overview, for Fiscal Year 2023, theJapanese Ministry of Defenseallocated 22.8 billion yens (US$1.654 billion) for the initial procurement of advanced components for the ASEV program in order to "significantly improved BMD capability capable of responding to lofted and simultaneous ballistic missiles, as well as expandability for responding toHGVsand other such threats. "[78]In related news, in a statement released on April 4, 2023, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the signing of four contracts worth 382.47 billion yens (US$2.83 billion) last week withMitsubishi Heavy Industries(MHI) for development of standoff defense weapon systems for theJapanese Self Defense Force(JSDF). This standoff defense capability is expected to provide the JSDF with long-range strike capabilities against ships and amphibious forces invading Japan, particularly at its remote islands, such as the disputedSenkaku Islandsadministered by Japan, and its southwestern islands.[79]

On 19 December 2023,Defense MinisterMinoru Kiharaannounced approval for the funding for the construction of Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV) in Fiscal Year 2024 and FY 2025 to be commissioned in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Initial FY 2024 ASEV funding was set at 373.1 billion yen (US$2.6 billion), a slight reduction from the 379.7 billion yen (US $2.64 billion) that the Japanese Ministry of Defense had sought in its initial FY 2024 budget request submitted in August 2023.[80]This ASEV procurement decision was subsequently affirmed when theJapanese Cabinetapproved the Ministry of Defense's budget for Fiscal Year 2024 on 22 December 2023.[81]

Equipment[edit]

Ballistic missile defense systems[edit]

Proposed BMD profile (JSDF image)

As a ship-based alternative to the land-basedAegis Ashoresystem, the Aegis system-equipped warships could be armed with theStandard Missile 6 (SM-6) Sea-Based Terminal (SBT) system(pictured), as well as the J7.B Aegis Weapon System and Lockheed Martin'sSPY-7(V)1multi-functional radar, initially contracted for Aegis Ashore. According toLockheed Martin,J7.B is the integration of SPY-7 into J7 (BL9), the latest software currently installed on JMSDF's Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyers.[68][82][83]The SPY-7(V)1 radar uses scaled equipment and software derived from the advancedLong Range Discrimination Radar(LRDR) located in theClear Space Force Station,Alaska, and operated by theU.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).[83]

In support of this objective, on 20 October 2022, theU.S. Department of Stateapproved and theDefense Security Cooperation Agency(DSCA) notified theUnited States Congressthat Japan is set to be the first country after the United States to field the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) as part of a proposed US$450 millionForeign Military Sale(FMS) arms package. Pending Congressional approval, Japan was conditionally approved to buy up to 32 of theRaytheon-built SM-6 Block I missiles. This notification is a follow-up of a 2017 decision fromU.S. Department of Defensethat conditionally approved Japan, South Korea, and Australia to buy SM-6 missile systems.[84][85]

Weapon systems[edit]

Standard SM-6 missile components

The ASEV warships will be equipped to defend againsthypersonic glide vehicles,as such new hypersonic missile designs are too evasive for current ballistic missile defense systems to reliably intercept.[63][66]Also, the two ships will be equipped with the upgraded sea-based version of theType-12 anti-ship cruise missile(ASCM) system capable of striking land and naval targets with a range of around 1,000 km (540 nmi; 621 mi).[63][86]Given the manpower requirements, non-BMD armament may be limited to such close-in self-defense weapon systems asPhalanx CIWSorSeaRAM.[68]

On 16 December 2022, Defense Buildup Program ( phòng vệ lực chỉnh bị kế họa ) document announced a 110.4 billion yen (US$820 million) budget allocation to modify the JMSDF's Aegis-equipped guided missiles destroyers to carryTomahawk land attack cruise missiles (TLAM).Although it is not stated what specific modifications are to be undertaken,Lockheed Martin's Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS) is the likeliest system to be integrated into the Aegis destroyers.[87]TheJapanese governmenthad previously approached theU.S. governmentto purchase the U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile for attacking enemy bases. The Japanese government decided to purchase the Tomahawk cruise missile before their domestically built improved rangeType 12 Surface-to-Ship Missilesystems started full-scale operation.[88]The intent behind the JMSDF acquiring both long-range cruise missile systems is to act as a deterrent to North Korea, with the weapons able to strike naval and land targets.[89]

In atweetposted on 17 December 2022,Satō Masahisa,Director, Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense of theHouse of Councillorsin theDiet,stated that the proposed ASEV warships would be capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h);Standard Missile 6 (SM6)andEvolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM)systems; 12 anti-ship standoff missiles;Cooperative Engagement Capability(CEC) and Engage-on-Remote (EoR) functions; and now 128 VLS cells.[4][90]On 23 December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released its 2023 budget and program guidance that featured the first official illustration of the ASEV warship, revealing that its missile arsenal will use theMark 41 Vertical Launching System(Mk 41 VLS) grouped in two locations, forward of the bridge deckhouse and aft above the helicopter hangar.[74][75][76][77]

On 17 November 2023, theU.S. Department of Stateannounced the sale of up to 200 Tomahawk Block IV All Up Rounds (AURs) (RGM-109E) cruise missiles, 200 Tomahawk Block V AURs (RGM-109E) cruise missiles, and 14 Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control Systems to theJapanese Ministry of Defenseas part of a part of a US$2.35 billion foreign military sales package. One month previouslyJapanese Defense MinisterMinoru Kiharaindicated a planned buy of Block IV Tomahawks in FY2025 and Block V in FY2026 and FY2027, thereby advancing acquisition Block IV acquisition by a year. In a press conference on 20 November 2023, Kihara stated that the Defense Ministry would coordinate closely with United States in the delivery of the Tomahawk missile system on its sea-based and ground platforms.[32]On 28 March 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the start of Tomahawk missile training of JMSDF personnel by the United States Navy. Initial training would take place onboard the guided-missile destroyerUSSMcCampbell(DDG-85)based atUnited States Fleet Activities Yokosuka.[91]

Ship sensor systems[edit]

Principle of a CODAG system, with two speed diesel gearboxes

The ASEV warships will use theUNItedCOmbinedRadio aNtenna (UNICORN) NORA-50 integration mast, which has a bar-shaped dome that houses the antennas for tactical data link, Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN), and communications. According to the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), UNICORN has a shape designed to reduce the radar cross section (RCS), which makes it stealthy. It is currently being installed on theMogami-class frigatesentering service or under construction, and there is a possibility that they will be considered for integration into the proposedNext-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel program.[4] [92]

Propulsion & power systems[edit]

Given the manning and electrical requirements, the Aegis system equipped vessels (ASEV) may require a highly automated, low maintenance, all-electrical propulsion system. One such system is aCombined diesel and gas(CODAG) propulsion (pictured), consisting of diesel engines for cruising and gas turbines that can be switched on for high-speed transits, and it is used on the JMSDF'sHyūgaclassandIzumoclasshelicopter carriers as well asMogami-class frigates.In May 2024, it was announced that the two ASEV warship would be equipped withRolls-RoyceMT30gas turbines as their main propulsion plant.[2][3]

Operational concept[edit]

Examples of operations (JSDF image)

On 16 December 2022, theJapanese Cabinetapproved a trio of defense-related policy documents, including its new National Security Strategy (NSS or quốc gia an toàn bảo chướng chiến lược ), the strategic guideline document for the Japanese government's policies regarding diplomacy, defense, and economic security for the next decade. Based on the NSS, the National Defense Strategy (NDS or quốc gia phòng vệ chiến lược ) document outlined Japan's defense policy goals and the means to achieve them while the Defense Buildup Program (DBP or phòng vệ lực chỉnh bị kế họa ) document outlined the scale of the introduction of specific defense equipment within the budgetary objectives. According to the Defense Buildup Program document, the JMSDF will increase the number of Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyers (DDG) from the current 8 to 10 warships, as well as the introduction of two Aegis system-equipped vessels (ASEV) to be deployed in ballistic missile defense (BMD) operations. By the end of the decade, the JMSDF will operate 12 ships equipped withAegis Weapon System(AWS) and likewise plans to replace its fleet of older, less capable destroyers anddestroyer escortswithMogami-class frigates.[87][93][94][95]

On 23 December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense's 2023 budget and program guidance documented provided examples of operations ( vận dụng の nhất lệ ) for the Aegis-equipped naval forces of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF). The two ASEV warship would be exclusively tasked for dedicated ballistic missile defense (BDM) missions (BMD đẳng ) and operate off the Korean peninsula in theSea of Japan,allowing the other Aegis guided-missile destroyers to meet other contingencies ( xâm công trở chỉ ) while operating independently to maintain themaritime domain awareness(MDA) and keep thesea lines of communication(SLOC) open in theEast China Seasouthwest of the Japanese home islands (pictured).[74][75][76][77][80][94][95]

Criticisms[edit]

Senior research fellow Brent Sadler ofThe Heritage Foundationcriticized the proposed ASEV program, noting that the total of two units was insufficient to keep an AESV ship deployed continuously at sea. Sadler noted that the more typical operational cycle would require at least three ships, with one ship at sea on deployment, a second ship undergoing refit and upkeep following deployment, and a third ship going through work-up for deployment to relieve the first ship. Sadler also noted that the 2027–2029 timeframe to complete the construction of both AESV ships leaves Japan highly vulnerable during the interim period.[96]Regarding Japan's relative vulnerability,StrategyPagenoted that the original Aegis Ashore BMD land-based facilities would not have been operational until 2024.[97]

Additionally, senior defense analyst Felix Chang of theForeign Policy Research Institute(FPRI) observed that the proposed ASEV warships would be extremely vulnerable to such next-generation Chineseanti-ship ballistic missilesas theDF-21DandDF-26,with DF-21D having a range of 1,500 kilometers while the DF-26 has a range of 4,000 kilometers. Chang also mentioned that China has fitted its DF-21D missiles withmaneuverable reentry vehiclesthat guide with terminal seekers to compensate and correct for any inaccurate targeting data.[69]

Finally, senior fellowZack Cooperof theAmerican Enterprise Institutepointed out that a sea-based BMD system is overall not a more cost-effective alternative to a shore-based system.[36]In 2020, Japanese news media reported that officials within theJapanese Ministry of Defenserecognized that alternatives to the land-basedAegis Ashoresystem would all be significantly more expensive, by up to half again as costly.[98]

Ships in the class[edit]

Building No. Name Hull Pennant No. Builder/Shipyard Plan Laid down Launched Commissioned Home port Flotilla Squadron Status Note
TBD Unit 1 TBD Mitsubishi Heavy Industries(MHI) 2023 2024 (est.) TBD 2027 (est.) TBD TBD TBD Authorized [1][4][77][80][95]
TBD Unit 2 TBD Japan Marine United(JMU) 2023 TBD TBS 2028 (est.) TBD TBD TBD Authorized [1][4][77][80][95]

Naming conventions[edit]

Neither ASEV warship has been officially named. Ships of the JMSDF are known asJapan Ships(Hộ vệ hạm;Go'[e]i:-Kan) and are classified according to the warship type.Guided-missile destroyers(DDG) are named after the names of places in Japan, such as mountains and provinces while more conventionaldestroyers(DD) are named after natural phenomena in the heavens or the atmosphere as well as mountains, rivers or regions. It is not known if ASEV warship will have a new type designation such asguided-missile cruiser(CG) or ballistic missile defense ship (BMD Ship).

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^When constructed, these ASEV warship will be the only operational ballistic missile defense ships (BMD ship) afloat. Previously,Huntington Ingalls Industrieshad proposed to the U.S. Navy that aBMD variantof theSan Antonio-classamphibious transport dockbe considered armed with 288Mk-41 VLS missile tubesand a BMD radar with 1000 times the sensitivity of theAN/SPY-1radar of theArleigh Burke-classdestroyers.Also, between 1967–1969, the U.S. Navy had proposed a sea-based anti-ballistic missile intercept system (SABMIS) consisting of surface ships armed with anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems, but this program was subsequently prohibited by the ratification of theABM Treaty.

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Bibliography[edit]

Secondary sources[edit]

Official sources[edit]

Japanese Ministry of Defense[edit]

United States sources[edit]

Periodicals[edit]

External links[edit]

Japanese Ministry of Defense[edit]

YouTube[edit]


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